"Most important, biblical eldership guards and promotes the preeminence and position of Christ over the local Church. Jesus left His disciples with the precious promise that "'where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst'" (Matt. 18:20). Because the apostles knew that Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, was uniquely present with them as Ruler, Head, Lord, Pastor, Master, Overseer, High Priest, and King, they chose a form of government that reflected this distinctive, fundamental, Christian truth. This concept was no theoretical idea to the early Christians--it was reality. The first churches were truly Christ-centered, Christ dependent churches. Christ alone provided all they needed to be in full fellowship with God and one another. Christ's person and work was so infinitely great, final, and complete that nothing--even in appearance--was to diminish the centrality of His presence among and sufficiency for His people.

So in the first century, no Christian would dare take the position or title of sole ruler, overseer, or pastor of the church. We Christians today, however, are so accustomed to speaking of "the pastor" that we do not stop to realize that the New Testament does not. This fact is profoundly significant, and we must not permit our customary practice to shield our minds from this important truth. There is only one flock and one Pastor (John 10:16), one body and one Head (Col. 1:18), one holy priesthood and one great High Priest (Heb. 4:14ff.), one brotherhood and one Elder Brother (Rom. 8:29), one building and one Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5ff.), one Mediator, one Lord. Jesus Christ is "Senior Pastor," and all others are His undershepherds (1 Peter 5:4)."

Much ageement with Alexander Strauch when he says...
“So in the first century, “NO” Christian would **dare take** the position or title of sole ruler, overseer, or **pastor of the church.** We Christians today, however, are so accustomed to speaking of "the pastor" that we do not stop to realize that the New Testament does not.“

And - If that statement is true? Wouldn’t that mean?

Those who **dare take** the “Title” and “Position” “Pastor/Reverend/Leader”....
Those who **dare take** to be - hired, or fired, - as a “Pastor/Reverend/Leader”....
Those who **dare take** to be - called - “Pastor/Reverend/Leader”....

(“Titles” and “Positions” NOT found in the Bible.)

Wouldn’t that mean?
They are NOT “Biblical Eldership? NOT Christian? According to Alexander Strauch?

And - If today’s - “Pastors/Reverends/Leaders” - are NOT “Biblical Eldership?”

Shouldn’t they remove themselves? Walk away from those “Titles?” “Positions?”
And be a good example to the flock?

Leave a comment

My newest book is very short and to the point. It's called Humble Orthodoxy and it's about why Christians should both care about truth but also be gracious in the way we communicate what we believe. I see too many people wishy-washy about the essentials of the faith. I also see too many people who are orthodox but really kind of mean and arrogant. Neither of these options glorify Jesus. Here's a review of the book.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. There are a number of articles and resources here, but I don't do new posts on it as frequently as I used to. You know how it goes. Blogs are so 2008. But come see me on either Twitter or my Facebook Page where I post more often. (Or just stay off social media altogether and enjoy a richer life.)

Jesus taught his disciples that they should always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1). In these three sermons I look at some of the hardest moments in the lives of Paul, Elijah and David and how God met them and sustained them through trouble. Listen here.

"When you listen and read one thinker, you become a clone... Two thinkers, you become confused... Ten thinkers, you'll begin developing your own voice... Two or three hundred thinkers, you become wise." - Tim Keller, via Keller Quotes

At the blog Yahweh's Song: "I've read the deep theological books. Sometimes you just need something to chew a little and get a big taste. This is that book. Theology made simple to get your gears to turn and think...

We share both favorable and unfavorable reviews here on the Book Blog! Here's a mostly negative one: at the blog Worthy of the Gospel, Adam Miller shares a gracious critique of Dug Down Deep, admitting that he feels "the gnawing...